Analysis Of The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood

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Would you do anything it takes to survive? In the book, The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood survival is heavily emphasized. As shown in the novel, the need to survive leads to doing things people do not volunteer to do. It shows that anyone would do anything it takes to survive no matter the consequences.
Anyone that wants to survive in the Republic of Gilead were forced to start a new life and they cannot complain. In the novel, Offred had to transform her whole life and forget about her old life to start a new one. They were forced to accept their new names and the location they, as citizens, are sent to. Offred preformed what she was ordered to do because, although she does not want to be there, she said, “ I am alive, I live, I breathe, I put my hand out, unfolded, into the sunlight.” (Atwood 8). This demonstrates that Offred accepted her new life only because she wants to survive, although it means leaving behind her old life and family. In another context, Aunt Lydia seems to think that they should accept it because it is not really unacceptable, “Where I am is not a prison but a privilege, as Aunt Lydia said, who was in love with either or.” (Atwood 8). Therefore, she does not think it is acceptable or unacceptable, but she is alive so she does not mind. No one …show more content…
It's essential for them to worry about themselves because they want to keep living. For example, when Offred's walking partner Ofglen was not present anymore, Offred was on high alert stating, “Now that Ofglen is gone I am alert again, my sluggishness has fallen away, my body is no longer for pleasure only but senses its jeopardy.” (Atwood 284). This displays that now Offred is on high alert for her life because she is trying her greatest to survive. It demonstrates that even though it is just one person trying to survive, they have to protect their own back. This reveals that survival is one of the main keys in the
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